EU Pushing Forward on New Enforcement Abilities in Trade Disputes
The European Union is considering amending rules that will allow it to take action in international trade disputes despite the “paralysis” of the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement body, according to an April 8 EU notice. The rules will make…
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it easier for the EU “to protect its trade interests and rights” while the WTO is unable to deliver binding dispute settlement decisions due to an appointment blockade by the Trump administration (see 1912170035), the European Council said. The amended rules would allow the EU to impose certain sanctions, such as customs duties and trade restrictions, in cases in which dispute settlement procedures are blocked. The rules will also give the European Commission the ability to take countermeasures when a trade agreement partner imposes “illegal trade measures” and “blocks the dispute settlement process under that agreement.” The council said it is “ready to start negotiations” on the rules with the European Parliament.